052.10 Afina and Jaela

[Corwin]

[19:30] <Kotono> From there Afina gets to the meeting room. Moments later Elena and Jaela enter, "Alright," Elena says, "In short - Abigor escaped Hell and we know where he is."
[19:31] <Afina> "Oh," Afina frowns, "Was there at least a terribly destructive battle before he escaped?"
[19:31] <Jaela> "Wow, that's... really short and to the point." Jaela gives Afina a wave. "Welcome back!"
[19:31] <Kotono> "I'm not sure," Elena says, "I was going to ask you to go into detail," Elena admits, "You're a better speaker than I am."
[19:32] <Afina> "Hello!" Afina waves back with a brief smile before getting back to business.
[19:32] <Jaela> "About the only thing we know is that he escaped and went straight to Auril. Not just to her realm, mind, but to her very palace. And our info was just from one second-hand source, so I arranged a meeting with a representative of Auril via the Mercane. That greedy woman confirmed it but wanted a bribe to get our negotiations going."
[19:34] <Jaela> "It's pretty much like this," Jaela continues. "Everyone, be it here or Celestia preaches about the need for unity. So I proposed that Auril will get her respect once we retake Lifasa instead of having her maidens run off at every turn. It's a better deal than the one she had originally, and she's not in any better shape now with the devils in charge. If she's interested, we get Abigor. Simple enough, right?"
[19:35] <Afina> "What a waste. I was hoping he'd fight it out like that devil Zquujaj..." she leans on the table and sighs, "If I'd known it would go like that I'd never have warned him. Well, okay. I wouldn't mind if we could convince Auril to kill Abigor herself, but I'll make the axe either way. Or try, anyway. Can't promise it won't melt."
[19:37] <Jaela> "If we get him alive, or if she kills him? It's fine by me. I'm willing to accept either response." Jaela passes the diagrams for the axe over to Afina. "I looked at it myself, and didn't see anything objectionable. Feels like something you could forge, too. Think I nailed it?"
[19:39] <Afina> Taking a brief look Afina nods. "All laid out. I've never worked with ice before but with this it shouldn't be a problem at all... I take it Auril was never popular on Lifasa? She must not have had many followers or she might be less welcoming to Abigor right now."
[19:40] <Jaela> "I never so much as heard of her in our context, but Muirfinn pretty much said the tribes he knew of treated her girls pretty shittily. Mind, I bet there was plenty of cause for that. But looked at another way, whatever their disagreements back then, they're surely manageable in the context of devils occupying Lifasa if we remain divided."
[19:43] <Afina> "Well, I don't mind. Plenty of Unseelie around strengthening Winter's influence, a few religious types aren't going to upset things overly... and a Lifasa with harsh winters is still much better than what we have. It's a fair bargain to have made."
[19:44] <Jaela> "I'm glad to hear it. Anyway, we just make the axe now, hand it over to the Mercane and wait for an answer. If it's not favorable, I'll press on for a counter-offer. It's better than the suicide of assaulting a deity's palace in the Abyss, especially one we don't have cause to really fight."
[19:49] <Afina> "If it all falls through he'll still have to leave eventually. We can afford to be patient," Afina counsels, standing up. "I'll have the axe ready for you by tomorrow."
[19:50] <Jaela> "Great! Oh, but before that, how about visiting Mirajane? She's all grown up now! Literally!"
[19:52] <Afina> "Really? Alright, I'll say hello," Afina agrees for all that Mirajane likely wouldn't recognise her given their lack of interactions. But it's more for Jaela that she's agreeing.
[19:53] * Jaela laughs. "She wants to be a warrior, so once we figure out which weapon she likes the most you'll have another customer, too!"
[19:55] * Afina doesn't doubt it'll be a polearm as she gets up and flutters alongside Jaela. "Lead the way?"
[19:57] <Kotono> From there the duo returns to Jaela's suite. Here Mirajane sits, Hanna brushing her long hair and Mei holding her hand as Mirajane whispers something to her. As the two enter, "Mother! Afina!" Mirajane's all smiles, "Welcome back."
[19:58] <Jaela> "I said it wouldn't take long!"
[19:59] <Afina> "You did get big," Afina states the obvious as she looks at Mirajane. She's well over half a Hanna!
[20:01] <Kotono> "Thank you for helping mother and grandmother," Mirajane saws, bowing her head forward. Hanna smoothly steps forward, not stopping her brushing despite this. "The truth is that I've seen all the help you've given everyone."
[20:02] <Jaela> "Mirajane's really good at seeing things! And through things!"
[20:03] <Afina> "Well everyone's been helping me, so of course I do my best," Afina smiles at the compliment. "And Jaela says you plan to help as well, so of course I'll do my best by you as well."
[20:07] <Kotono> "Thank you!" Mirajane's face brightens, "I'm deciding between axes and spears."
[20:09] <Jaela> "How about a halberd?" Jaela muses, glancing over at her mother. "It's a compromise between the two, sorta."
[20:11] <Kotono> "When you have to have them both?" Hanna continues to brush, but Mirajane's face lights up, "Yes! That's perfect! Afina," Turning to her, "Will you make me a magical halberd?"
[20:12] <Afina> "A halberd's a versatile weapon. Because it's common among militia and guards it's often scorned, but it's common for a good reason," Afina approves, "I'll make you an excellent halberd, Mirajane."
[20:14] <Kotono> Smiling, "Thank you." Meanwhile Hanna finishes brushing, starting to put Mirajane's hair up into a bun and loops. "I'd be happy if you came with us, but the truth that you have others waiting for you and things that you need to make."
[20:15] <Afina> "Oh? Where are you going?" Afina asks.
[20:15] <Jaela> "We're pretty handy with it, too, even if it's not our main weapon. So we'll give you all sorts of pointers on how to use one well until you're comfortable with it!" Jaela says happily. At her mother's words, she blinks. "Ah, right. Let me know when you're ready, Afina? We'll proceed once you are."
[20:16] <Afina> "Ready for what?" Suddenly it feels like the conversation has gotten away from her.
[20:16] <Jaela> "Umm. The ice axe? Wasn't that what it was about?"
[20:17] <Afina> "Oh... right. Yes, tomorrow like I said. Alright, I'll go now... see you all tomorrow," she collects herself, waving and flying back out.
[20:19] <Kotono> A few days pass without incident. The axe is passed onto the Mercane and life settles back into a groove. One morning both Afina and Jaela get a message from Elena: Come to the meeting room.
[20:20] <Afina> Afina duly reports in!
[20:20] <Jaela> The meeting room is where she makes her way to!
[20:21] <Kotono> Adrian's there as well, arms crossed and drinking a cup of something hot and steamy. Elena's also there, and with her is Lura of the Cold Heart. She stands, looming over the table with a cold, self satisified smirk. Her new axe hangs on her belt.
[20:22] <Jaela> "Hello again, Lady Lura," Jaela greets her, also intending to introduce her to Afina in that way.
[20:22] <Afina> Since she was following instructions by rote Afina didn't exactly pour her heart into the weapon, but at least someone enjoys it.
[20:24] <Kotono> "I have a message from The Frostmaiden," Lady Lura announces, as Adrian finishes his drink off and turns his attention to the frost giant. At her words you swear the temperature of the room drops, like a chill fall breeze blowing through the half-bare tree branches.
[20:25] * Jaela has endured plenty of cold in the past, and can do it again now with little problem. "Let us hear it then, please," she requests, waiting patiently.
[20:25] <Afina> She's vaguely tempted to fix the temperature to something more pleasant but that would just be childish. Besides with Afame she herself still feels happily hot anyway.
[20:28] <Kotono> "The Frostmaiden has heard your offer but finds talking through intermediares to be worthless. You are hereby instructed to come to Winter's Hall in Fury's Heart to personally deliver this offer to Lady Auril."
[20:30] <Jaela> Is she really calling herself worthless in such a prideful voice? Jaela almost shudders but manages to retain a polite smile. "I see. How many of us are invited to discuss this matter? Are there any conditions set out? And if I might ask, will Abigor be secured from fleeing at our arrival?"
[20:33] <Kotono> "Six. Afina Petalwisp, Jaela, Ithea, Muirfinn of the Shellscale and Adrian Barnan are invited by name. You may bring a sixth at your discretion. You will be a guest of The Frostmaiden during your stay and thus protected - but you will need to be strong enough to hold the cold at bay. As for Abigor, he stays at Lady Auril's pleasure. He will not flee."
[20:34] <Jaela> Muirfinn? But not Gisfal? It must make some sort of sense to Auril, however, and Jaela nods in response. "Of course. When are we being invited? It will take us time to gather those invited by name, you understand."
[20:35] <Kotono> "I will stay here until you are ready. Come as soon as you are prepared," Lady Lura says.
[20:36] <Jaela> "I understand. In that case, should you tire of being in such a place one of Aurora's suites will be available for you, Lady Lura," Jaela says pleasantly, standing up. "For now, please excuse me while I handle the arrangements."
[20:37] <Afina> How presumptuous. Afina looks disdainful but doesn't interfere with Jaela's diplomatic moving and shaking. "I must also make preparations," she says to excuse herself. Sitting staring at a giant isn't her idea of a good time.
[20:37] <Kotono> Adrian nods slightly, "As you like." He rises as well, "I'll see you to a suite."
[20:37] <Kotono> Jaela gets a chill, baleful look, but draws no other comment.
[20:37] <Jaela> "I think Finnegan would be a good fit, here," Jaela suggests to Afina as they leave for a more private setting.
[20:40] <Afina> "It's your call, anyone you pick will probably be better than I at negotiations. If I'm needed it means things have gone poorly."
[20:40] <Jaela> "Elena, is he available?" Jaela asks into the thin air. "And where are Ithea and Muirfinn? Oh, make sure Candy stays out of sight, while you're at it."
[20:42] <Jaela> To Afina, she says, "I'll do my best to negotiate, and Muirfinn will probably back my up well. If you think we need him, though, we can ask Morniel as well. I figured it might be a bit antagonistic to just bring a couple angels over into her place like this. Better that she sees us as this diverse group?"
[20:45] <Afina> "You're right, we don't want to bring too many nice people. Lets bring Baleruk... or Sylvie, she can potentially kill gods. Could be useful," Afina suggests not exactly seriously.
[20:46] * Jaela laughs. "Negotiations will fail before we even set foot through the front door. Could be fun!"
[20:48] <Afina> "If they do fail they'd be handy to have around, though," Afina insists. "How about seeing if Tepen can spare time away from Ellese?" she adds more seriously.
[20:49] <Jaela> "We have to consider the Aurora too," Jaela muses. "If Tepen goes, let's ensure Vul'lath is on alert and ready to gate Aurora to a friendly realm."
[20:50] <Kotono> Elena appears, "Muirfinn's here and Ithea's out at the moment," she answers, "I'll tell CAnderella to lay low."
[20:51] <Afina> "Should be safe next to Chan's palace, but it's common sense to have an exit plan."
[20:51] <Jaela> "How is Tepen, time-wise?"
[20:52] <Kotono> "Good. Really good for time." With a blush, "Ellese tried to seduce him!" she blurts out, blushing deeply and pushing her fingers together, "He's giving her some space, but he says it's a good thing. Really. She's acting less like she was, even if it includes inappropriate passions. She's not spitting acid on him anymore, either."
[20:54] <Afina> "Aww, that is good... she did seduce him like an elf would, right? It wasn't a reference to anything the devils had her do?" she makes sure to check after her initial approval.
[20:54] <Jaela> "Every time! Every time I ask you if someone's got time on their hands you tell me about their sex lives! Without fail!"\
[20:56] <Kotono> "I know!" Elena throws her hands up, "You have the strangest timing about it! I mean, it's not a bad thing in this case since it was elven and tender. Anyway, he's in the library right now if you need to see him."
[20:56] <Afina> "Awww," Afina happily goes back to her initial reaction.
[20:57] <Jaela> Shaking her head, Jaela decides to head for the library.
[20:58] <Kotono> Elena follows along, "I'm not trying to be nosy this time, but the fact that she tried and did it like that's a good sign. She's really trying to be herself and not what she was. "
[20:59] * Jaela laughs. "Yeah, you just can't help it. It's okay."
[20:59] <Afina> "It's a good sign, I'm glad you told us," Afina reassures Elena.
[21:01] <Kotono> With this the two find Tepen in the libraries. He's sitting in a corner, a book open on his lap. His gaze isn't quite on it - staring off at the floor instead. His hand idly plays with the edge of the page he's on, but does not turn it.
[21:02] <Jaela> "Something on your mind, Old Man?" Jaela asks him cheerfully, sitting down next to him.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Oh Jaela." Looking up and closing his book, "Ellese, but it's not pressing. Do you need my magic?"
[21:05] <Jaela> "A consult, really," Jaela muses. "Did you hear about Abigor?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "No," Tepen says, "Did something happen? I've been busy with Ellese."
[21:10] <Jaela> "He escaped to Auril, we negotiated with her over it. Now she's inviting us to continue those negotiations directly at Fury's Heart and we need a sixth. Interested? Can you think of anything we should watch out for or prepare against in advance?"
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+34
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+34 and gets 35." [1d20=1]
[21:17] <Kotono> "I've heard of Winter's Hall, which is Auril's palace. It's eternally winter there and cold enough to freeze you solid in moments. Unfortunately, I cna't recall much else at this time."
[21:18] <Jaela> "We'll need to prepare for the cold, and have plenty to refresh the spells if things take a while. But I guess we're really asking if you'd like to be there?"
[21:20] <Kotono> "It would be an experience," Elder Magi Tepen admits, "But I know I'm not the strongest or best choice you could make. Why choose me?"
[21:21] <Jaela> Afina made the suggestion so Jaela will leave the explanation to her, even if Tepen is selling himself short here. Besides, he certainly earned the right to be there and get at Abigor.
[21:25] <Afina> "This isn't about strength, we're going to negotiate," Afina pipes up, "Your wisdom and experience will provide a useful perspective. Also you're extremely hale and healthy, so better suited to endure the cold. Lastly, you're a Lifasan. Jaela mentioned that we can be seen as dominated by angels but for this, the opportunity to catch the one who led the fall of our world, it must be seen
[21:25] <Afina> as Lifasans controlling our own... destinies," she winces a bit at the unfortunate word at the end.
[21:27] <Kotono> Elder Magi Tepen solemnly listens and replies, "I'll come. Your words are insightful and I agree. This is our destiny."
[21:28] <Jaela> "Great to hear that! We'll probably leave as soon as Ithea gets back, so let's aim to be get ready in the meantime?"
[21:29] <Afina> "We should bring a gift," Afina prompts, "Any ideas?"
[21:30] <Jaela> roll 1d20+30+15 this is where I roll my knowledge and I'm really curious!
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+30+15 this is where I roll my knowledge and I'm really curious! and gets 63." [1d20=18]
[21:32] <Kotono> Auril values anything to do with cold, storms, chill wrath, winter, air and wind. She personally favors gemstones carved out of blue ice, but only those of the highest skill.
[21:33] <Jaela> "I recall reading that she really likes crafts from blue ice, but only if she finds the skill passable. What's high-skilled for a goddess, anyway?"
[21:36] <Afina> "Baleruk is incredibly good with gems," Afina says, "Lets see if the Mercane can get us some stone and cajole him into making something pretty out of it?"
[21:37] <Jaela> "Something that personifies winter, and made of blue ice? Adorned with gems for good measure? Yeah, that sounds like it could be a nice gift."
[21:41] <Kotono> "Sage Vul'lath has skill in gemcutting," Tepen speaks up, "Should Baleruk tolerate aid."
[21:45] <Afina> "Well lets go get it organised then. It can come out of the Aurora fund, but since we're just paying for materials it should come out cheap," Afina smiles, starting to flutter towards Filbrez's shop.